Walking into a martial arts school for the first time can be nerve-wracking. You don't know the etiquette, you don't know anyone, and you may have a picture in your head of being thrown across the room. I want to take the mystery out of it, so here is what actually happens when you come to your first class at Loudoun Valley Ki Aikido in Hillsboro.
Before You Arrive
Your first class is free. You can book a free intro class here, and you'll get a confirmation email with the date and time.
You don't need any special gear. Wear loose, comfortable clothes; sweatpants and a t-shirt work well. Cover your knees and elbows, and avoid zippers or buttons, since you'll be working closely with a partner. We practice barefoot on the mat. Bring a water bottle.
We train at the Hillsboro Old Stone School, 37098 Charles Town Pike, Hillsboro, VA 20132. Use the side door; that's the entrance to the dojo. There's free parking in the lot out front. Plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes early so you have time to sign a waiver, meet the instructor, and get settled. Directions are on our location page.
How Class Begins
Class starts with a bow. Bowing in a dojo is a gesture of respect and gratitude toward the practice and the people you're training with. You'll see what everyone else does and follow along; nobody expects you to know the forms.
Then we do hitori waza, solo exercises that the whole class does together while someone counts out loud. They're simple, rhythmic movements: swinging the arms, turning, stepping side to side. They warm up the body, but their real purpose is to practice moving with calm, centered attention. If you lose the count, you just pick it back up.
The Moment Most People Remember
At some point in your first class, we will test your stability. You'll stand naturally, and a partner will press gently on your chest or shoulder. Most people wobble or step back.
Then we'll ask you to settle your attention at your one point, a spot in the lower abdomen, let your shoulders relax, and let your weight drop. Same partner, same gentle push. This time you don't move.
People's faces change when this happens. It isn't a trick and it isn't strength. It's your first direct experience of what we mean by Bodymind Oneness: when the mind settles, the body changes with it. Everything else we train builds on that experience.
Partner Practice
Most of class is spent working with partners. Ki Aikido is cooperative. There's no sparring and no competition; your partner is there to help you learn, and you're there to help them.
In your first class you'll try a few simple techniques at a slow pace, usually with an experienced student. You will not be thrown around willy-nilly. Falling and rolling (ukemi) is a skill we teach step by step over time, and you won't be asked to do anything you're not ready for. If you have an injury or a body part that needs care, tell the instructor before class and we'll adapt.
How It Feels
Honestly, it might feel awkward. The terminology is in Japanese, the etiquette is unfamiliar, and you'll be doing things your body hasn't done before. That's normal. It doesn't mean you're doing it wrong; it means you're doing something new.
What surprises most newcomers is how much fun it is. There's a lightness in the room. And most people tell me they leave feeling calmer and more settled than when they walked in.
After Class
Stick around and ask questions. We're happy to talk about what you noticed, what training looks like week to week, and whether it's a good fit for you.
If you want to keep training, our membership tiers start at $40 a month and financial hardship is never a barrier to sincere training. Just talk to us. You can see our fees here and our class schedule here.
You're also always welcome to come and simply watch a class before you try one.
Ready to Try It?
The best way to understand Ki Aikido is to feel it. Reading about it only gets you so far.
Matt Doetsch-Kidder, Head Instructor, Loudoun Valley Ki Aikido